Tsunade rubbed her eyes and sat up groggily. I'm so tired, she thought, I went to sleep really late last night because my mind was so preoccupied. She looked over at her cellphone, still flipped open, on the nightstand. Tsunade reached over and picked it up, rereading Reborn's message for the hundredth time. I still don't understand why I can't delete such a small message. She stared at the message for a while before her eyes caught sight of the time on the edge of the screen. "Wah! I'm gonna be late!" she shouted as she jumped out bed. I must've overslept! She thought, panicked, Usually, I leave enough time for me to walk to the campus, but it's too late now! How am I going to get to class now?! Unless… Tsunade flipped open her cellphone and dialed. "Reborn-kun?" she said, "I need to ask you for a little favor…"
….
Thirty minutes later, Tsunade, now completely ready, opened the door of her apartment and almost ran into Reborn, who was just about to knock. "Good morning Tsunade-chan," he said with a smirk, "Oversleep?"
Tsunade flushed pink. It's just a question, she scolded herself, why are you blushing? "Yeah," she replied, "I usually leave enough time to walk to the campus, but it's too late now."
Reborn chuckled. "And you decided to ask me for a ride?"
Tsunade sighed and said, "Well I figured that I was going to die anyway if I'm late, so I really don't have anything to lose."
Reborn shrugged and slung his bag over his shoulder. "Let's go then," he said, grinning, "You don't want me going faster in order to get there on time."
Tsunade shuddered. "Yep, certainly don't want that." She closed the door and followed him to the parking lot.
….
"We're not even close to being late, so why are you going so fast?!" Tsunade screamed. I can't believe I got myself into this mess again! She thought, absolutely terrified.
Reborn laughed and said, "You should know that when I'm driving, there's no such thing as 'too fast'!"
He revved the engine and went even faster, earning a few choice words from motorists and pedestrians alike. Reborn looked over his shoulder for a split second and almost burst into uncontrollable laughter at the sight of Tsunade's face. There's that look of fright I was aiming for, he thought, turning his attention back to road. He made a sharp turn at an intersection and felt Tsunade squeeze a bit tighter. Reborn's heart skipped a beat. Why did I react like that, he thought, blood rushing to his face, I'm so glad Tsunade can't see my face right now.
He turned into the campus and slowed down, hearing Tsunade sigh in relief behind him. Reborn drove around for a bit until he saw the spot where Iemitsu, who looked less than happy to see Tsunade holding on to Reborn, Leoko, Keiko, and Kureko were waiting. He parked the motorcycle and helped Tsunade off.
"I really don't know why I chose to get a ride from you," said Tsunade breathlessly, "Or why I didn't write a will before leaving."
Reborn chuckled and said, "Well you got to the campus alive, and with several minutes to spare."
Tsunade laughed and began walking to where Iemitsu was waiting impatiently. "I guess I did. See you later, Reborn-kun."
"See you, Tsunade-chan," said Reborn with a smile. He turned around and walked to where Leoko, Keiko, and Kureko (Lol just realized all their names end with –ko) were standing with knowing smirks.
….
"Why were you on a motorcycle hugging Reborn?" demanded Iemitsu.
Tsunade flushed dark pink. "I wasn't hugging him," she said defensively, "I overslept and needed a ride, so I asked Reborn. Unfortunately, his driving skills aren't human and I was holding on for dear life!"
"You could've just called me!" yelled Iemitsu.
Tsunade couldn't understand why Iemitsu was so angry. "Your apartment is in the complete opposite direction of mine," she said, confused, "I didn't want you to go so far just because I was scared of being late."
Iemitsu's eyes softened and sighed. "I would've done it for you," he said softly.
Still confused, she looked over her shoulder to where Reborn was talking with the others. Their eyes met and Reborn winked and grinned at her. She felt her heart flutter. Why am I reacting this way? She thought, has something changed between us in the short time we have known each other? I wonder…
….
Reborn turned his attention back to his friends and saw them smirking at him. "What?" he asked.
Leoko snickered and draped an arm over Reborn's shoulder. "Now I see why you didn't want me to get close to Tsunade-chan," said Leoko, "You wanted her all to yourself."
Reborn blushed and was about to deny it when Leoko leaned closer and whispered, "It was a great idea getting close to her. Since I'm untrustworthy, she'll confide more information to you!"
That's right, thought Reborn, if I become someone she relies on, I'll be able to get more information regarding the Hunter so I can save my business. Even so, why do I feel so guilty?
Keiko squealed. "I'm sooo happy you two are getting together!" she exclaimed.
"We're not dati—"began Reborn, but Keiko cut him off excitedly.
"I know! We should invite Tsunade-chan and Iemitsu-kun with us to Hokkaido after finals week! She can share a room with me and Iemitsu can share with Leoko!"
"Yeah!" Kureko said, "It'll be a great—bonding experience." He winked at Reborn.
Reborn sighed. There's no point in arguing with them. "Fine," he relented, "I'll ask her later. Let's just get to class."
….
As they went their separate ways, Keiko leaned in close to Kureko and whispered, "You know, I could've just asked Tsunade when she came to work today."
Kureko watched as Reborn walked away. Both he and Leoko had disapproved when I asked Keiko out, he thought, but I knew that the company wouldn't be my life forever. I knew I would need to find something that would give me happiness. He looked at Keiko lovingly and pulled her closer to him. And I found it. "Maybe he wants Tsunade to go with him more than he lets on," Kureko said thoughtfully. It looks like you're on your way to finding something that matters to you, Reborn. Try not to lose her.